(7% indicates location in the Kindle version of the book, instead of page numbers.)

Focused Excerpts from the book –

7% One big development stands out above the others: the kids know about Jack’s autism. And Jack knows about Jack’s autism. In some ways this has redefined the dynamics of our family.

We love autism. But Jack? As you’ll read, he’s not as impressed with autism as the rest of us are.

8% Jack himself is just learning about his own diagnosis, a discovery that has been both painful and astonishing to him.

“Oh no!” Jack shrieked from where he was standing at the kitchen sink. I rushed over and saw one of Joe’s dark blue mugs, now missing its curved handle, broken when Jack had tried to rinse the hot chocolate out of it.

“I broke it, I broke it, I BROKE IT! I broke Daddy’s mug,” he yelled, holding his hands on his ears.

I didn’t know what all of the fuss was about. We have something like nine hundred and ten of these cobalt blue mugs, each emblazoned with the name of Joe’s dental practice, and frankly I’d like to break a few more so I’d have an excuse to by the white ones I’ve been eyeing at Pottery Barn.

9% I promised that his father would absolutely not be upset, then tried to soothe him by pointing to the rest of our mugs in the cabinet – and on the counter (and in the garage).

“But he LOVES them all!” he whimpered.

CLICK on Read More to continue Focused Excerpt.

​I couldn’t console him. He cried off and on all afternoon, calming down just long enough to announce, “But tomorrow I have art.”

< My Thoughts > “But tomorrow I have art.”

Scope, et al. (2017) reported that art therapy was considered to be an acceptable treatment for the majority of respondents. They go on to say that art therapy can involve using painting, clay work, and other creative visual art-making art forms.

In an article about the value of art therapy for those on the spectrum, https://the-art-of-autism.com/the-value-of--art-therapy-for-those-on-the-autism-spectrum, on a website by the same name, Ed Regensburg tells us that children who have difficulty in building functional skills and connecting with others can benefit from art therapy. That children with ASD are designed differently and don’t fit into our mainstream systems. He feels that in order for art therapy to be successful, the child’s spirit and mind must be treated.​11% But with this mug, he adjusted, obviously the class had been working on the project for some time because pottery is not formed and baked and glazed in a single day. And when the handle came off his father’s blue mug, Jack switched his gears to replace the broken one.

< My Thoughts >"Jack switched his gears to replace the broken one."

Kellman, J. (2001) understands that a young artist with autism seems to create or view their art according to the nature of the world around them. This suggests a connection between internal knowledge and a close association with imagery. Plus, the interplay of the ordering of events into past, present, and future carries with it the sense of making meaning of one’s life.

Just so you know... School 'Specials' are the hours when both mainstreamed and Special Education students go to Library, P.E., Art, or Music classes. These Specials are scheduled daily to allow the teachers their mandated lunch, break, or Teacher Preparation Time, i.e., Lesson Planning Time.

11% I’ve often thought that Jack does not appear to experience a full range of emotions in the same way you or I might. His spectrum disorder seems to prohibit his emotional pendulum from swinging widely across a landscape of feelings that often include shame and humility and empathy and amusement.

< My Thoughts >"...swinging widely across a landscape of feelings."

Epp (2008) talks about the implications art therapy for social work and policy. She explains that most people with ASD are so disengaged from others that their mental and emotional stress can cause chronic anxiety.

Through art, Epp continues, it offers a way to solve problems visually. This forces children with autism to be less literal and concrete in self-expression, and offers a non-threatening way to deal with rejection. Replacing the need for tantrums or acting-out behaviors because it offers acceptable means which soothes the child.

9% The following afternoon he flew off the bus with a package wrapped in tissue paper.“The mug!” he cried. “It’s here!”Once in the kitchen he set it down carefully and unwrapped it with some ceremony.“First it was for you. Now it is for Daddy.”Together we all clustered around and admired the lumpy blue-green mug.“Nice job, Jack,” Joey said. “It look like a bowl!” Henry offered. “Jackie, you worked hard on this! Daddy will love it!” Rose chimed in.“Where? Where does Dad get his coffee mug in the morning? From the cabinet or the counter?” he asked.“Um,” I said, trying to remember Joe’s morning coffee habits. “Well, I think the cabinet, Jack-a-boo. Why?”“That is where I will put this one. To surprise him. In the morning.”For no reason at all I felt a lump in my throat. I didn’t know why. Kids the world over present their parents with homemade gifts – ornaments and candle holders and picture frames – sometimes for birthdays or holidays, and sometimes just because.So why did this misshapen little cup affect me so much? Why did I walk over to the cabinet and open the door and stand staring at it once I was alone in my darkened kitchen?

End of Focused Excerpts

REFERENCES used in < My Thoughts > are:​​Epp, K. (2008). Outcome-Based Evaluation of a Social Skills Program Using Art Therapy & Group Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum; National Association of Social Workers; V30:1, p27-36.

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My purposes are 'educational' in nature. My hope is that this is a place for 'First Responders' and the 'Battle Worn' alike to find information, take solace, and to help one another, in the name of Autism. My commitment is to deliver hope, insight, and a realm of possibilities to all who enter this site.

​Disclaimer: Just to let you know that I, Sara Luker, have put forth my best efforts to create the extended book reviews presented here on this website. I have permission from the authors to publish these Extended Book Reviews. This is just a sharing of stories of those who have gone on before you.

My input as noted by <My Thoughts> are just that... my reflections as a parent, educator, and author. The ideas or considerations presented are given only as hopefully helpful to the viewers relating to the topic or subject.

Any REFERENCES to websites, professional journals, and/or printed material, including eBooks, are solely for educational purposes. I have no involvement in sponsorship or financial interests in these sources.

​Please, understand also that all health matters ALWAYS require professional medical decisions, diagnosis, and treatment by highly qualified and licensed individuals.​Regards,Sara Luker